A prominent civil society coalition, the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), has formally petitioned the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging an urgent adjustment of the timelines for the 2027 general elections to safeguard fairness, inclusivity, and the credibility of the electoral process.

In a detailed letter dated May 4, 2026, and submitted at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the coalition of civil society leaders and groups —working in collaboration with the Good Governance Group (GGG)—called for a 90-day extension for the submission of party membership registers and the conduct of pre-primary processes; arguing that recent legal uncertainties affecting several political parties have created an uneven playing field that could undermine the legitimacy and outcomes of the elections if not addressed urgently.

Describing itself as a “Pan Nigerian, multi-stakeholders, citizens-led coalition,” MCE said it was compelled to act in the interest of democratic stability of the country. “We…wish to draw your attention to the urgent need for equitable adjustment of the timelines for the 2027 elections in line with your constitutional mandate towards safeguarding the integrity of 2027 General elections,” the letter stated.

The coalition emphasized that the issue goes beyond administrative scheduling, framing it as a constitutional and democratic imperative. “Nigeria’s electoral process is not governed by timelines alone but by the overarching constitutional obligation of ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunity for all political actors,” the letter read.

Legal and Constitutional Grounds

MCE anchored its argument on provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and electoral laws, particularly referencing Section 77(2), which mandates political parties to maintain and submit membership registers. According to the movement, this requirement presupposes that parties operate within stable and legally coherent structures—conditions it claims are currently absent in some cases.

The letter pointed to “recent judicial developments, culminating in definitive pronouncements by the Supreme Court on internal party leadership disputes,” which it said have thrown several parties into prolonged legal uncertainty. Among the political parties listed are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP).

“These circumstances may materially impair their ability to lawfully organize congresses, update membership registers, and prepare for credible primaries, in line with the guidelines ” of INEC” the coalition warned.

It further alleged that INEC’s current regulatory posture has “contributed to their state of limbo within opposition political parties, thereby creating an uneven operational landscape for the affected parties.”

Call for Flexibility and Fairness

Invoking principles of justice and fairness, the coalition stressed that rigid adherence to timelines in the face of exceptional circumstances could violate democratic fairness

“In law, it is a settled principle that fairness must underpin all procedural frameworks,” the letter noted, adding that “where strict adherence to timelines undermines fairness, such timelines must yield to equity.”

The group also highlighted INEC’s constitutional powers under Section 153 and the Third Schedule, arguing that the Commission is “not merely an administrative body enforcing deadlines but a constitutional guardian vested with regulatory discretion for the electoral justness”

This discretion, MCE argued, should be exercised in the current context to prevent disenfranchisement and ensure equal opportunity for parties “The rigid enforcement of timelines under such conditions risks violating the principle of equal opportunity and may inadvertently disenfranchise party members from meaningful participation in internal democracy,” it stated.

Proposal for 90-Day Extension of Election Timelines:

Central to the letter is the demand for a 90-day extension of the 2027 Election Timelines, which the coalition described as both necessary and justified within the electoral law, 2026

“Such an extension is justified on multiple grounds. It restores parity among political parties…enhances the credibility of the electoral process…[and] protects the constitutional rights of party members to participate meaningfully in democratic processes,” the letter argued.

The group added that the move would also “reinforce public confidence in INEC as a neutral and fair arbiter.”

Warning on Public Perception and Legal Risks

The coalition cautioned that public perception of INEC’s neutrality is already under scrutiny and warned that failure to act could deepen distrust.

“We must also candidly note that public perception of the Commission’s neutrality is under increasing scrutiny. In electoral governance, perception is inseparable from legitimacy,” the letter stated.

It further warned that refusing to adjust the timelines could lead to “serious legal and ethical concerns,” including “entrenching structural disadvantages, inviting avoidable litigation, and potentially undermining the integrity of the electoral process itself.”

A Test of INEC’s Commitment

In a strongly worded conclusion, MCE framed the issue as a test of INEC’s commitment to justice and democratic principles.

“Mr Chairman, the issue before the Commission is not whether it possesses the authority to act, but whether it will exercise that authority in a manner that advances justice,” the coalition declared.

“A 90-day extension is not a concession; it is a necessary recalibration to restore balance and uphold the principles upon which our democracy is founded.”*

The letter was signed by prominent leaders of the Nigerian Civil Society, including Prof. Usman Bugaje (Chairman), Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (Co-Chairperson), Dr. Isuwa Dogo (for GGG), and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, Head of the National Secretariat of the MCE

Awaiting INEC’s Response

As of press time, the Independent National Electoral Commission had not issued an official response to the letter. However, political observers say the request places the Commission at a critical crossroads as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

The coming days are expected to reveal whether INEC will heed the call for flexibility or maintain its current electoral timetable, a decision that could significantly shape the credibility, inclusiveness and acceptability of Nigeria’s next general elections.

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